South Sudan Election Postponement: A Nation on Edge

South Sudan has delayed its December elections by two years to finalize crucial processes including a census, a permanent constitution, and political party registration. The decision, which marks the second postponement since independence, aims to ensure readiness, yet raises concerns about potential violence and economic instability.

The South Sudanese government has announced a two-year postponement of the December elections, citing unfinished tasks such as conducting a census, drafting a permanent constitution, and registering political parties.

The Presidential Adviser on National Security, Tut Gatluak, explained that the extension to December 2026 is necessary to complete these essential processes. This marks the second delay since the country's independence in 2011.

President Salva Kiir and deputy Riek Machar had previously signed a peace agreement in 2018, ending a civil war that claimed over 400,000 lives. However, recent economic crises and civil unrest threaten the fragile peace, exacerbated by stalled peace talks in Kenya and a contentious security act.

(With inputs from agencies.)